We begin 2026 not with resolutions, but with learning, learning drawn from evidence, experience, and the people who walk this journey with us. Evidence of progress. Evidence of partnership. Evidence that intentional work, sustained over time, can and does change outcomes.
As we welcome the year ahead, we pause to reflect on where we have come from, what the data is teaching us about our impact, and how those lessons are shaping the next chapter of The Trevor Noah Foundation. This moment is both a return and a renewal: a chance to celebrate what has been achieved, to sharpen our focus, and to recommit to the future we are building together.
January is often associated with fresh starts. For us, it is also a moment of responsibility, to honour the work behind us, to listen closely to what has worked (and what has not), and to move forward with clarity, humility, and renewed conviction.
From our early beginnings, grounded in the belief that quality education can change a learner’s trajectory, to where we stand today, a growing ecosystem of partners, schools, and communities — our journey has been shaped by intentionality, collaboration, and a solid commitment to learners. 2026 is not about doing more for the sake of activity. It is about doing what matters, better.
Matric Results: What the Data Tells Us
At TNF, we believe that stories and data belong together. One gives meaning; the other gives measure. The 2025 National Senior Certificate (NSC) results from our partner schools offer a powerful lens through which to reflect on progress, resilience, and opportunity.
Steady Improvement Over Time
Across our three partner secondary schools in Gauteng: Eqinisweni Secondary School, Siyabonga Secondary School, and Willow Crescent Secondary School, the data reflects sustained improvement over several years.
Celebrating Our Partners: 2025 Matric Results Showcase Resilience and Growth
At the heart of our work lies a deep belief in the power of partnership. We are not merely funders; we are collaborators, supporters, and co-creators of opportunity.
Over the past five-plus years, TNF has had the privilege of walking alongside these schools to support leadership capacity, educator development, learner wellbeing, and enabling infrastructure, creating the conditions for steady improvement rather than short-term gains. As we reflect on the 2025 National Senior Certificate (NSC) results, we are filled with pride and optimism for the three secondary schools we are honoured to partner with.
These results are more than numbers; they represent the dedication of educators, the resilience of learners, and the strength of collaboration. Below, we share an overview of the outcomes and celebrate the successes.
Steady Improvement Across Schools
Over the past six years, all three schools have demonstrated resilience and growth in their matric pass rates:
- Siyabonga Secondary School has been a standout performer, rising from 87.9% in 2019 to a perfect 100% pass rate in both 2024 and 2025. Despite a dip in 2021, the school rebounded strongly.
- Eqinisweni Secondary School has shown steady progress since 2021, climbing from 62.1% to 88.5% in 2025. The consistent improvement since 2021 points to positive momentum in the school.
- Willow Crescent Secondary School has experienced fluctuations but achieved remarkable improvement in recent years, jumping from 78.5% in 2023 to 95.7% in 2025. This reflects the school’s commitment to strengthening academic performance.
These trends reinforce an important insight: meaningful change in education is rarely immediate, but it is possible through sustained effort, trust, and partnership.
Beyond Pass Rates: Quality of Achievement
Pass rates tell only part of the story. The type of passes learners achieves: Bachelor, Diploma, or Higher Certificate, speaks to the opportunities available to them after school.
At Siyabonga, nearly 90% of learners qualified for university entry, far exceeding both national and provincial averages.
At Eqinisweni, 41% achieved Bachelor passes, slightly below national averages, but Diploma and Higher Certificate passes were strong, ensuring broad access to post-school opportunities.
At Willow Crescent, the distribution was more balanced: 38% Bachelor, 39% Diploma, and 33% Higher Certificate passes. This also ensures diverse pathways for learners, including university, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), and other post-secondary options.
Comparing to National and Provincial Trends
When benchmarked against national and Gauteng averages, our partner schools show encouraging progress:
Siyabonga consistently outperforms both benchmarks, positioning itself as a leader in academic excellence.
Willow Crescent has alternated above and below averages but in 2024 and 2025 surpassed both national and provincial results.
Eqinisweni remains slightly below Gauteng averages but has closed the gap significantly in 2025.
The 2025 matric results are a milestone in our collective journey. They remind us that education is not a solo endeavour; it is a partnership between those who teach, those who learn, and those who support.
We extend our deepest congratulations to Siyabonga, Eqinisweni, and Willow Crescent on their achievements. We also reaffirm our commitment to walking alongside these schools as they continue to shape futures, unlock potential, and inspire the next generation.
From where we stand today — informed by evidence and grounded in relationship — we choose what comes next with care, courage, and purpose.
Our Intentions for 2026
As we move forward, our focus in 2026 sharpens around four guiding intentions:
- Depth over breadth: Strengthening existing partnerships to maximise impact.
- Learning-led decision-making: Using Monitoring Evaluation Research and Learning insights to inform strategy, not just reporting.
- Whole-ecosystem support: Continuing to centre learners while supporting educators, school leadership, and communities.
- Sustainability and scale: Building models that can endure, adapt, and influence beyond individual sites.
We invite you to help us scale what works: Get involved in sustaining education impact!
